HEKS/EPER is making a difference in the «Daily structure and occupation» in Iraq

Some 10 million people now need humanitarian aid as a result of the armed conflict in Iraq. Many have fled Islamic State (IS) into Kurdish regions or abroad. Despite being one of today's worst humanitarian crises, it risks being forgotten as it is not receiving the same attention as the Syrian crisis. UN and NGO aid projects are seriously underfunded. HEKS/EPER has been providing emergency relief in Northern Iraq since winter 2014/2015. Up to the end of 2016, internally displaced people and host families in Sulaymaniyah, Halabja and Diyalla Province are being supplied with food, cooling units, heating oil and «cash for work», in a joint endeavour with the local partner organisation «REACH».

Facts

Roughly 75000 people benefited from improved drinking water supplies as well as sanitary and health conditions in three refugee camps in 2017, with the help of HEKS/EPER.

The consequences of long-term unemployment are often social isolation and ill-health in addition to poverty. There is no structured daily routine, and social contacts fall away. Asylum seekers, temporarily admitted persons and recognized refugees are often jobless and living in isolation. Without a permanent residence permit it is difficult for these people to develop real prospects or a sustaining daily structure. Through various employment schemes in the regions of Aargau/Solothurn, Basel Stadt/Baselland, Berne, Eastern Switzerland, Western Switzerland and Zurich/Schaffhausen, HEKS/EPER is making it possible for jobless people to be meaningfully occupied.